French Onion Butter Rice

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If you’re looking for the perfect cozy side dish that practically makes itself, look no further than French Onion Butter Rice. This rich and savory rice dish is made with a handful of pantry staples and packs the indulgent flavor of caramelized onions and buttery broth into every spoonful. It bakes in the oven to perfection, creating a golden top and deeply aromatic flavor that feels like comfort food at its best.

Whether you’re serving it alongside roast chicken, grilled steak, or simply eating it as a stand-alone dish, this baked rice delivers a satisfying bite with minimal effort. The best part? You don’t need to stand at the stovetop babysitting a pot. Let the oven do the work while you enjoy the incredible aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Butter Rice

This recipe hits all the right notes for weeknight cooking and weekend comfort. It’s made in one pan, has layers of bold flavor, and works beautifully with both hearty entrees and lighter meals. The combination of French onion soup mix, real butter, and beef broth creates a depth that’s both homey and decadent. Plus, it’s always a hit at potlucks and holiday gatherings.

What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

Long grain white rice is the go-to here because it stays fluffy and separate after baking. Avoid instant or quick-cook rice as it may turn mushy. You can also experiment with jasmine or basmati for a subtle aromatic boost, but be sure to rinse them well to remove excess starch before using.

Ingredients for the French Onion Butter Rice

This dish is all about simple ingredients that work together to build rich, deep flavor. Each one plays a key role in making the rice savory and buttery with just the right amount of seasoning.

Long grain white rice is the star of the show, absorbing all the savory broth and buttery flavor without becoming mushy.

French onion soup mix adds instant depth and that signature sweet-savory onion flavor with zero effort.

Beef broth infuses the rice with richness, making it taste like it cooked for hours.

Unsalted butter brings creaminess and helps the rice bake to a beautiful, tender finish.

Water balances the broth and keeps the rice light, ensuring it doesn’t become too salty.

How To Make the French Onion Butter Rice

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to keep the rice from sticking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In the baking dish, stir together the long grain white rice, French onion soup mix, beef broth, and water. Make sure everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Slice the butter into thin pats and scatter them across the top of the rice mixture. No need to stir—the butter will melt and seep through as it bakes.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes to let the top crisp up slightly and the rice finish cooking.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Once the rice is tender and golden on top, fluff it gently with a fork and serve warm. It should be soft, buttery, and infused with all that French onion flavor.

How to Serve and Store This Buttery Rice Dish

French Onion Butter Rice is a standout side dish that complements so many meals. It feeds about 4 to 6 people depending on portion size, making it ideal for family dinners or casual entertaining.

To store leftovers, let the rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water and microwave covered until warmed through, or warm in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F.

What to Serve With French Onion Butter Rice?

Roasted Chicken

This rice was made for juicy roast chicken. The buttery onion flavors soak up the drippings like a dream.

Grilled Steak

Serve it with a perfectly seared ribeye or sirloin for a hearty dinner that feels steakhouse-worthy.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Add a veggie boost and keep it vegetarian by topping your rice with garlicky mushrooms.

Pork Chops

Smothered, grilled, or oven-baked pork chops pair wonderfully with the rich flavor of this rice.

Meatloaf

Swap out mashed potatoes and try a scoop of this golden baked rice next to a thick slice of meatloaf.

Green Beans Almondine

For something crisp and fresh, go with buttery green beans topped with toasted almonds.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Go full comfort food mode and spoon this rice alongside a creamy pasta dish like Chicken Alfredo.

Want More Rice & Comfort Food Ideas?

If this French Onion Butter Rice hit the spot, you’ll love these other comforting favorites from Mia Plates:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try jasmine rice or stick with classic long grain? Maybe added caramelized onions on top?

I love hearing your kitchen twists. Feel free to drop questions too—we’re all here to make dinnertime easier.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks, snacks, and comfort meals on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite.

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